Compressor Refrigerator opt 12v?
Has anyone been using one of these 12v compressor refrigerators? I've heard they are low amp drawing. How are they on the battery?
Forum Discussion
I guess the solution is 300 watts or so of solar and 300 AH or so of batteries. Neither work very well with my Northstar Igloo. I had to remove the battery tray and can barely fit 2 Lifeline 150 AH AGMs. I have room for two 135 watt solar panels. A third or fourth would definitely help but room is limited with a Heki skylight, bath vent, bath skylight, a power vent, plumbing vent, A/C and a monstrous old style TV antenna. I am strongly considering junking the antenna and adding another panel. In 7 years we have never even checked to see if the TV works.
Of course, the other consideration is shade. Even minimal shade kills solar panel output. A great many campgrounds are in the shade in wooded areas. Camping in the Fall, Winter and Spring can also mean the sun is low and with short days the solar output is poor. Should I mention clouds? Or trying to use the furnace. I was running through a propane tank every couple of weeks with temps below freezing at night and often in the 50s or lower during the day. The furnace blower really kills the batteries. I am really sick of running the generator to compensate for these issues. I have an older electrical system and the generator charging is slow and inefficient. Next upgrade with probably be a new charging system.
Of course, the other consideration is shade. Even minimal shade kills solar panel output. A great many campgrounds are in the shade in wooded areas. Camping in the Fall, Winter and Spring can also mean the sun is low and with short days the solar output is poor. Should I mention clouds? Or trying to use the furnace. I was running through a propane tank every couple of weeks with temps below freezing at night and often in the 50s or lower during the day. The furnace blower really kills the batteries. I am really sick of running the generator to compensate for these issues. I have an older electrical system and the generator charging is slow and inefficient. Next upgrade with probably be a new charging system.
